In last week’s blog about Angelico la Pizzeria’s closure at 4925 Bethesda Ave., I mentioned that a barbecue restaurant would be taking its place. Well, here’s the lowdown: Named Hot Barbecue & Pizza, it’ll be owned by Ellen Reklitis, a newcomer to the Washington area from Montreal. This is Reklitis’ first venture in the restaurant business, although she’ll be assisted by manager Musa Ulusan, who says he’s operated restaurants all over the country for the past 25 years.
The concept will include slow-cooked Kansas-style ribs, pulled pork, roasted lamb and brisket, plus pizzas with a barbecue theme. That will likely include pulled pork pizza—aside from the meat, it’ll be topped with beans, barbecue sauce, red cabbage, and cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Brisket-topped pizza will be another option.
Olusan said the two were considering a kabob restaurant, but “there’s no competition for barbecue in Bethesda.” Other than Hardy’s truck at the Montgomery Farm Women’s Cooperative, that’s true. It’s hard to get barbecue right, so I’m eager to check out this effort. After a renovation to brighten and open up the space, look for a late September opening.
